Audiologist Near Me & Audiology Doctors Near Me In Charlotte, NC

Tomas Cabrera, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Dr. Tomas Cabrera is an Audiologist and the new owner of Shelby Hearing Center in Shelby, NC. He earned his doctoral degree from Salus University in Pennsylvania.

“My journey into the field of audiology was fueled by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to hear better and fully engage with the world around them. Witnessing the transformative impact audiology can have on individuals' lives, I was inspired to specialize in areas that greatly influence hearing health. These include hearing aids, wax removal, and tinnitus management.”

Dr. Cabrera is honored to continue the legacy of excellence established by Kay Young over her 40 years of dedicated service at Shelby Hearing Center. As both provider and owner, Dr. Cabrera is committed to upholding the same patient-centered approach while also guiding the practice forward. He continues to stay at the forefront of audiology advancements through ongoing education and training, ensuring patients benefit from the most effective and innovative solutions available.

He is a member of the North Carolina Audiology Association (NCAA), American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA).

Outside the clinic, Dr. Cabrera enjoys spending time with his wife, their two children—Luca and Noa—and their two dogs, Tucker and Charlie. A former Division 1 football player, he remains connected to the sport by serving as an assistant coach for the Porter Ridge Middle School Football Team.

Karen Padgett, Au.D.

Audiologist

Karen wanted to be a part of the Audiology and hearing care industry after having grown up with a hearing impaired girl who wore a body hearing aid and taught Karen some sign language. Karen loves that she can improve individuals hearing which in turn improves their overall quality of life mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Shelby Hearing Center is an absolute amazing team, and the dedication and passion of the entire team is like none other that Karen has ever been part of. Shelby Hearing Center gives Karen the time and resources to provide the best hearing care available to her patients.

In Karen’s spare time she loves to spend time outdoors working in her garden, walking her dog, golfing, skiing and dabbling in skydiving.

Education and Training:

B.S. Ohio University
M.A. University of South Carolina
AuD. A.T. Still University

Awards & Certificates:

Certificate of Clinical Competence

Work Background:

1992-2009 ENT Carolina
2009-2021 Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat
2021-Present Shelby Hearing Center

Nicole Early

Hearing Instrument Specialist – Apprentice

Nicole Early brings her enthusiasm and commitment to Shelby Hearing Center. Since joining us in 2024, she’s jumped right in learning about the hearing industry, devices and most, importantly, how to serve our patient’s needs. She is the go-to person for Bluetooth, phone connections, repairs in office and cleanings.

In addition to assisting our Audiologists, Nicole is expanding her training to obtain license as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. This makes her even more integral to helping Shelby hearing Center stay focused on our patients’ individual needs and improving their lives through better hearing.

Nicole finds joy in her 2 children, Aiden (9) and Lincoln (6), and her husband, Nick. They love spending time outdoors. Freya, a Great Dane/Pitbull dog, completes their family. Nicole loves turtles, painting, crafting and all things Harry Potter.

Lynn Ferree

Office Manager

Lynn Ferree first started her career with Shelby Hearing Center in 1991. After a short hiatus, she returned in 2000 as Practice Manager. Lynn is an integral part of each aspect of Shelby Hearing Center’s mission to keep people connected to their families and friends through better hearing.

Being part of an organization that is committed to treating the person and not just their hearing is what draws her to Shelby Hearing Center. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her.

In her leisure she loves helping her husband with his band as their “poster girl” and spokesperson. She enjoys live music, dancing, spending time in her community with friends, and being on the beach whenever she can. She’s a mom of 3 and grandmother of 4

Melissa Bolton

Insurance/Patient Care Specialist

Melissa been with Shelby Hearing Center since 1984! Fresh from earning her Associate degree in business from Cleveland Community College, she was recommended by a professor. The rest is history – she’s been here ever since!

Melissa loves her job because she has the co-workers and boss and she gets to interact with people. She appreciates knowing she gets to be a part of helping people improve their lives.

She’s married to her high school sweetheart, has one son who lives in Boone, NC and her little dog, Cupcake, runs the household. She absolutely loves hot rods, old collectible cars and enjoys local, live music.

Brenda Parker

Front office Coordinator

Brenda Parker brings 30 years of medical office experience to Shelby Hearing Center. Our front office is thrilled to welcome an industry veteran whose career has seen office roles in family medicine, skilled nursing, hospital, and front office management.

Brenda's passion lies in assisting others and forging connections with new faces. She is grateful to be working with an exceptional staff who is wholly devoted to the well-being of their patients, striving to enhance their quality of life and ensure their utmost satisfaction.

For 22 years, Brenda has been married to the love of her life. She boasts two wonderful daughters, 3 adorable grandchildren, and 2 cherished granddogs. Alongside her passion for helping others, she finds solace in the world of books and reading.

Kay Young, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Dr. Kay Young earned her doctorate in audiology from The University of Florida and completed a fellowship in clinical audiology at Indiana University School of Medicine before founding Shelby Hearing Center with her husband Lamar in 1984. She has realized her mission of providing the right balance of science and patient support to help the community hear better. Through the art of learning about each patient’s needs and determining appropriate individualized solutions, Dr. Young has improved the lives of countless people.

Audiology is evolving, and Dr. Young has evolved with it by embracing technological advances, testing, and protocols to ensure all her patients experience a higher quality of life through better hearing. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Young is also an accomplished quilter and tap dancer. Her award-winning quilts can be seen around the office along with photos of the many travel adventures she and Lamar have embarked on over the years.

Audiologist

Tomas Cabrera, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Karen Padgett, Au.D.

Lead Audiologist

Nicole Early

Hearing Instrument Specialist - Apprentice

Lynn Ferree

Office Manager

Melissa Bolton

Insurance/Patient Care Specialist

Brenda Parker

Front office Coordinator

Kay Young, Au.D.

Audiologist - Retired

Address

1403 N Lafayette St
Shelby, NC 28150

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 1pm

Call

(704) 482-1447

MENU

Tomas Cabrera, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Karen Padgett, Au.D.

Audiologist

Nicole Early

Hearing Instrument Specialist – Apprentice

Lynn Ferree

Office Manager

Melissa Bolton

Insurance/Patient Care Specialist

Brenda Parker

Front office Coordinator

Kay Young, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Call

(704) 542-3339

text

(704) 817-2436

Audiologist

Tomas Cabrera, Au.D.

Owner, Audiologist

Karen Padgett, Au.D.

Lead Audiologist

Nicole Early

Hearing Instrument Specialist - Apprentice

Lynn Ferree

Office Manager

Melissa Bolton

Insurance/Patient Care Specialist

Brenda Parker

Front office Coordinator

Kay Young, Au.D.

Audiologist - Retired

Address

1403 N Lafayette St Shelby, NC 28150

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pmFriday: 9am - 1pm

Call

(704) 482-1447

1403 N Lafayette St
Shelby, NC 28150

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 1pm